Category Archives: Seasonal Scenes

As Hatteras Island still recovers from the lasting effects of Hurricane Irene, this holiday season will be especially difficult for many local residents. Surf or Sound Realty has received numerous inquiries and questions as to how our friends and neighbors can help in this time of need.

We have compiled a list below of the many Outer Banks organizations that are preparing meals, collecting Christmas items, coats, clothing, toys and monetary donations to ensure that this holiday season is still memorable and special for the children and families on Hatteras Island.

We are grateful for the assistance from these organizations and charities and humbled by the outpouring of support from our vacation guests, homeowners and friends both near and far.

Angel Tree
Christmas is organized through a coalition of churches, businesses and individuals who work to provide Christmas to all children in need on Hatteras Island. The coalition collaborates with Toy for Tots and Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (CHEC) “Operation Santa Claus” programs. Sponsored children receive clothing and gift items. Dare County Department of Social Services assists in receiving applications and facilitating various donors.

Sponsorship Specific Requests: Individual children and families can be sponsored. Contact Dare County DSS (252-475-9320) or Megan Vayette (252-216-7176) to sponsor a family.
For information on specific toy requests, see Facebook www.Facebook.com/hatterasislandangeltree where you will be directed where to drop-off or mail your presents for specific requests.

CHEC “Operation Santa Claus” Toys can be dropped off at their offices in Buxton. Items can be shipped to this address (except those for a specific child) at 47109 Light Plant Road, Buxton NC 27920.

Irene’s Giving Tree

Two Cape Hatteras Secondary School seniors are raising funds and collecting donations for Christmas trees to be given to at least 30 families, including a tree, tree skirt, lights and ornaments. Visit their Facebook page for more information.
Monetary donations for Irene’s Giving Tree:
PO Box 71
47468 NC Hwy 12
Buxton, NC 27920

Coat Drive:
Little Grove United Methodist Church is collecting coats, hats and gloves (new items only) for distribution across the island. Contact Pastor Cory Oliver for further information at (252) 996-0256.

We’ve compiled the best Hatteras Island activities, events and fun things to do on the Outer Banks for the 4th of July and the week of July 2nd to 9th to make your Hatteras Island vacation unforgettable and to help plan your week at the beach! From your friends at Surf or Sound Realty, we wish you and your family a fun, safe and memorable vacation!

July 4th Events & Celebrations

4th in the Village 4-11pm in Hatteras Village. Enjoy food, fun, art and live music in the heart of Hatteras Village. Live music begins at 8pm! All proceeds benefit the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation. Enjoy a fun afternoon outdoors with family and friends at the “4th in the Village” celebration!

Independence Day Celebration on Hatteras Island
10am to 5pm at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building
The 8th Annual Celebration, sponsored by the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Civic Association, features patriotic music, community singing and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy a watermelon feast aftewards. Free and open to the public. For more information, call (252)987-1303 or visit rwscivic.org

July 4th Waterfront Concert at REAL Watersports
6-10pm The Kona Summer Concert Series featuring The Wilder Brothers! -This is a family friendly event!
Enjoy the concert outside on the waterfront deck at the REAL Flagship Store in the Village of Waves. Dinner and drinks are available at all shows from MOJOs Sunset Café. You can sit at tables near the band, enjoy a draft Kona Beer at the bar at MOJOs, or enjoy the Bermuda grass lawn area on a beach blanket or chair. This is the best way to wrap up any day in Cape Hatteras with your family! For more information, call 252-987-6000.

The following three events are 4th of July festivities, parades and fireworks displays in the northern beaches off of Hatteras Island:

July 4Nags Head Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular
9:25pm -Thanks to a grant from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, the Town of Nags Head will host, in conjunction with the Nags Head Fishing Pier, the 15th annual Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular on Monday, July 4, 2011 at 9:25 p.m. on the ocean pier located at Mile Post 11.5 on NC Route 12, S. Virginia Dare Trail in Nags Head. A rain date has been set for Friday, July 8, 2011. The fireworks display will last approximately 25 minutes. Zambelli Fireworks will present the program, promising unforgettable fireworks.

July 47th Annual Fourth of July Parade in Duck Village
July 4 at 9 a.m. The parade will be followed with an after-event at the Duck Town Park featuring community fun, music, watermelon, and the awarding of parade trophies. The one-mile parade route is the same annually and begins at the crest of the hill on Scarborough Lane and continues down Ocean Way and then Christopher Drive. Please plan to arrive at least 1/2 hour early to get the best parade viewing spot! (252) 255-1234 or visit townofduck.com

Events on Hatteras Island:

Holiday Arts & Crafts Show

Thursday, July 7 & Friday, July 8
10am-5pm. Enjoy a fun day outside on the beautiful open lawn at Indian Town Gallery. Browse the work of local artists, featuring everything from sea glass jewelry, paintings, photography, baskets and so much more! Plus enjoy a real North Carolina Barbecue Dinner at the show, provided by Crazy Johnny’s BBQ and benefiting Meals on Wheels. Indian Town Gallery is located at mile post 65 in Frisco. For more information call Indian Town Gallery at 252-995-5181 or visit indiantowngallery.com

Fun Events this Week -Just for the KIDS!

July 5-7
REAL Kids Camp

Time: 10am – 4pm. Location: REAL Watersports in Waves village Get your son or daughter into the water in a safe and positive instructional environment with the REAL Kids Camp! Let the coaches at REAL show your kids the ropes in and around the water. Surfing, Kiteboarding, Standup Paddleboarding and more. Ages 7-12. Call for information: (866)REAL-548 | (252)987-6000 or visit: REALWatersports.com

July 5
Free Kid’s Day with Kitty Hawk Kites

2 locations and times: 10am -12pm in Hatteras Village -at Hatteras Landing Shops, next to the ferry and 4pm – 6pm in Avon village
Shoot water guns, get your face painted, and try out the newest toys and games. For more information, visit kittyhawk.com

July 6
Free Kid’s Day with Kitty Hawk Kites

4pm -7pm at the Kitty Hawk Kites store in Rodanthe at Waves Village. Shoot water guns, get your face painted, and try out the newest toys and games. For more information, visit kittyhawk.com

Time: 11:00 am to 11:45 am. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. This program offers hands-on activities that allow kids to have fun learning about the seashore. Check at the visitor center to learn the topic of the day. Free for all ages.

MORE FUN HATTERAS ISLAND EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:

July 4, 5 & 6
Glass Blowing Class with Phil Bickley
This class is presented by Indian Town Gallery. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn how to make your own glass beads! Each class is tailored to meet the needs of the ability level of each student. The basic rate is $50 per hour and classes are by appointment only. For more information call Indian Town Gallery, located at mile post 65 in Frisco, at 252-995-5181 or visit indiantowngallery.com

Learn to wrap a piece of sea glass into a necklace pendant with instructor Betty Kungle. At Indian Town Gallery, mile post 65 in Frisco. Class size is limited to 8, so call early to make reservations! $10 per person plus a $5 kit fee which includes a piece of genuine sea glass! For more information call Indian Town Gallery at 252-995-5181 or visit indiantowngallery.com

July 8
Beading Class -Make your own bracelet or anklet!

Time: 2pm -5pm (Classes run 20-25 minutes and start on the ½ hour). Location: Indian Town Gallery – Mile post 65 in Frisco village

This is a fun and enjoyable class for ages 7 and up! Students learn design and good color selection along with crimping skills so your jewelry will last a long time! The cost is $10 for the class and a $5 kit fee, which includes materials and use of tools. For more information call Indian Town Gallery at 252-995-5181 or visit indiantowngallery.com

FUN SUMMER PROGRAMS for the FAMILY

The Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station and the National Park Service offer Daily Summer Programs. Below are some fun events for you to check out during your Hatteras Island vacation!

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN… Evening events on Hatteras Island offered by the Park Service

Wednesday, July 6
Night Lights

Time: 8:30pm to 9:30pm. Location: Pre-register at Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Join a ranger for a short walk to search the tide line for glowing marine plankton and the sky for planets and constellations. Find out why protecting the dark is valuable to both people and wildlife.

Thursday, July 7
Night Climb
Time: 8pm and 9pm. Location: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Enjoy a guided tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. ..at NIGHT!
You will need to pre-purchase Night Climb tickets in person between 8:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the lighthouse ticket booth Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday on the week you intend to climb. Each program is limited to 30 participants and tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are non-refundable and children must be at least 42″ tall. Bring a flashlight!

The Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station Summer Programs
Time: All programs are at 2pm. Location: Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station – 23645 NC Highway 12, or Milepost 39 ½ (Programs are outdoors and thus weather dependent. Programs are free with Regular Site Admission Fee)

Monday, July 4 Nights in Rodanthe the Movie — Behind the Scenes
Nearly all exterior scenes were actually filmed right here in Rodanthe, where Chicamacomico is located. Site Operations Manager, Linda Molloy, was cast as Jill Torrelson opposite Richard Gere in a brief but pivotal role. Come get the scoop! Linda will autograph and personalize your book and DVD purchases here for a truly unique vacation souvenir. Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

Tuesday, July 5
America’s Forgotten Heroes
Discover the forgotten yet fascinating history of the United States Life-Saving Service, the original “Storm Warriors” who were the predecessors of today’s U.S. Coast Guard… Absorb the unbelievable details of actual rescues done here, especially the dramatic SS Mirlo story- the most highly awarded maritime rescue in U.S. history, right here! Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

Wednesday, July 6
The Real Taffy Of Torpedo Junction
This fictional novel tells the daring antics of an independent young teenager living on Hatteras Island during World War II. ‘Taffy” was based on the real-life Carol Dillon, Hatteras Island native. She will enthrall you with her stories of what was fiction and what was not.Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

Thursday, July 7
Beach Apparatus Drill
The U.S. Life-Saving Service required all stations to practice this rescue method weekly. Chicamacomico is now one of only two places in the country– and the ONLY one to be performed by active-duty US Coast Guard personnel–that performs the complete Drill. It is recommended to arrive by 1:30. Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

Friday, July 8
What Really Happened to “The Lost Colony”?
Where did they go? Right here on Hatteras Island, where they actually first started. Scott Dawson’s compelling delivery will have you spellbound. Documentation & evidence abound. Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

Time: Daily 12:00pm to 12:30pm and 2:00pm to 2:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Learn about the rich history of, and future plans for, the park’s majestic lighthouses.

Daily in the Summer
Hatteras Island – Pirates!

Time: Daily from 4:00pm to 4:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -In the 1700’s, pirates frequently visited the Outer Banks. Find out why the area was so attractive to pirates and how the golden age of piracy dramatically ended.

Time: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Location: Pre-register at Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -It’s not the Caribbean, but the shallow waters of the Pamlico Sound are home to an array of small fish, shrimp, and crabs. Limited to 20 participants.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Civil War on the Outer Banks

Time: 5:00pm to 5:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Join a ranger for a view of the Outer Banks’ role in the Civil War!

Tuesdays
Old Days at the Weather Station

Time: 3:30pm to 4:15pm. Location: Hatteras U.S. Weather Bureau Station, in the heart of Hatteras Village. -Join this tour of the restored Hatteras Weather Bureau Station and hear about the villagers who worked there during both tranquil and stormy times.

Tuesday & Thursday
Graveyard of the Atlantic

Time: 5:00pm to 5:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Countless ships have met their end off the Outer Banks. Learn how storms, shoals, war, and commerce have contributed to the wreckage, and hear stories of those who risked their lives to save the victims.

Wednesday
Explore the Shore: Beach Walk

Time: 8:00am to 9:00am. Location: Old Lighthouse site parking lot
Enjoy an early morning ranger-led walk across the undeveloped ocean beaches of Hatteras Island. Learn about this changing shoreline and the plants and animals that make this dynamic environment their home.

Wednesday
Cast Netting

Time: 9:30am. Location: Pre-register at the Hatteras Island Museum at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Casting a net from shore is one of the oldest methods of fishing. Give it a try or just come to observe the action. You’re welcome to bring your own cast net. Wear wading shoes. Limited to 25 participants.

Wednesday
Seashore Arts

Time: 11:00am to 11:30am. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Get in touch with your artistic side and create a lasting memory of the seashore! Bring a cotton t-shirt or pillow case to create a seashore-inspired masterpiece. Limited to 16 participants.

Thursday
Coast Guard Station Tour

Time: 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Location: Pre-register at Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -The U.S. Coast Guard and its predecessor, the U.S. Life-Saving Service, have a long and heroic history on the Outer Banks. Sign up today and enjoy a unique tour of an active U.S. Coast Guard Station. Limited to 20 participants.

Outer Banks Events and Activities for the Family -North of Hatteras Island

July 5th & 7th
Outer Banks Daredevils Baseball Game
The Daredevils are part of a summer collegiate baseball league offering experience for college players in a wood bat environment and a chance to refine skills for the pro level.

Time: Gates open at 6 pm, game at 7pm. Location: First Flight High School Baseball complex. Just south of Wrights Bros. Memorial, off hwy 158 turn on Colington Road. For complete schedule of home games, call 252-202-1842 or visit: obxdaredevils.com

Monday through Saturday
74th Anniversary Season of The Lost Colony

Time: 8:30pm. Location: Waterside Theatre, Roanoke Island. -Written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony tells the story of 117 men, women and children who vanished without a trace more than 400 years ago. Featuring lavish costumes designed by five-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long and directed by Robert Richmond, the story comes to life summer nights at the open air Waterside Theatre. Children 12 and under $10.00, Group rates for 10 or more. Complete the experience with a Waterside Sunset Picnic and pre-show Backstage Tour at 7 p.m. Reservations required. Call (252) 473-3414 or visit thelostcolony.org

Hatteras Island had 6 inches of snow in some areas of the island on Saturday January 22nd 2011 according to the Weather Service after an entire day of snow fall with wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour. This was the biggest snow storm since 2003 when 10 inches of snowfall were recorded. This rare event was enjoyed by many islanders as you can see from the photos below submitted by Surf or Sound staff.

Kitty Hawk Kites is kicking off its spring season the with annual “Fly Into Spring and Easter Eggstravaganza” event.

This annual spring event will be held during National Kite Month, April 2nd and 3rd, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the largest living sand dune on the east coast, will host the kite festival, and the Kitty Hawk Kites store in Nags Head will host the Easter Egg Hunt. With fresh spring air and the famous Outer Banks wind, participants won’t want to miss this fun outdoor event. Continue reading →

Easter is around the corner, and for Hatteras Island vacationers, there are a number of Sunday morning church services to celebrate the holiday. Best of all, visitors can enjoy a sunrise service in an amazing and truly inspiring location: adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. Continue reading →

This Valentine’s Day, brighten your Hatteras holiday spirit with an afternoon of live music. Indian Town Gallery in Frisco will be featuring a 7 piece band in the gallery from 2:00 – 4:00 pm on Sunday, Feb 14th. All locals and visitors are welcome to attend, and aings to do, dmission is free. Continue reading →

The annual Hatteras Village Christmas Parade started with a slight chill in the air on December 11th, but the sun poked out long enough for participants and parade go-ers to have a festive, fun time.

Onlookers lined the parade route along Highway 12 from Teach’s Lair Marina to the Hatterasman Drive-In. Thirty-nine units were part of the 2009 parade, led by Dare County Sheriff Rodney Midgett. Continue reading →

The Coast Guard and Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station have invited the public to attend a free, filmed performance of the Breeches Buoy Drill at the station scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec, 14th.

The drill, which is normally performed weekly from June through August, will be performed for the first time in December, so the production company Dream Quest can film it for an upcoming History Channel documentary entitled “Rescue Men.” Continue reading →

As the weather cools down and Hatteras Island beaches become deserted, a seasonal visitor begins to make an appearance along the Outer Banks coastline: harbor seals.

From January through March, seal sightings are not uncommon on any of the island’s beaches. Taking a break from the rough waves and tricky ocean conditions, the seals literally hurl themselves onto the beach for a little R&R before returning back into the ocean. Their stay on the sand can last anywhere from an hour to a few days, depending on how much rest they need. Continue reading →

The holidays are just around the corner, and on Hatteras Island, ’tis the season to celebrate with friends and family with a variety of upcoming community events. If you’re in the Outer Banks area, check out these festive activities that are open to everyone, and get a jump start on generating a little holiday spirit.

Community Christmas Dinner in tri-villages is Dec. 5
The Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Civic Association will sponsor a Community Christmas Dinner on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. at the Community Building. Beautifully decorated by volunteers, the Community Building will come alive with singing and a visit from Santa. Turkey and ham are provided by the Community Building board and attendees are asked to bring a side dish or dessert.

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Welcome to Surf or Sound Realty's Blog. Our blog is all about the Hatteras Island experience, from first class fishing and kiteboarding, to lighthouses and pirates, and everything in between. Our entries aim to enable you to get acquainted with Hatteras Island in preparation for your upcoming vacation, and introduce you to the people, the history, the attractions, and the off-the-beaten-path tidbits that make this 70 mile stretch of seashore something special.